The twelfth Apostle
OP^
Remembering; While the Apostles ARE Disciples…NOT ALL Disciples ARE Apostles.
Jesus Appointed 12 to Be Apostles, while full well knowing ONE would betray Him. (Ie. Judas Iscariot).
Many men and woman Following Jesus and His Teaching in His day became, and to this day become Disciples (but not Apostles).
After (Judas Iscariot), betrayed Jesus and forfeited his Position as an Apostle….The 11 Apostles counseled and prayed together, for a replacement.
The criteria was to appoint “someone” WHO:
Was a Disciple from the early days of Disciples being established and Following Jesus AND a first hand witness to Jesus’ Resurrection.
Only Two men were a possibility;
Matthias and Barabbas …
The Eleven cast their lots, and Matthias was Appointed to be the Twelfth Apostle.
ORIGINALLY Jesus Appointed 12, one betrayed Jesus, and another was Appointed in his (Judas’) place.
WHY? Twelve Apostles “not ONLY” had a mission in their day on Earth as Servants of the Lord… AS well the Twelve Apostles “ALSO” have an important Service to perform in the End Days of Judgement.
Luke 22:
[28] Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
[29] And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
[30] That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Saul/Paul was NOT the 12th Apostle.
Saul was a Pharisee AGAINST Jesus and His Followers.
Saul (via his mothers heritage) a Jew.
Paul (via his fathers heritage) a Roman Citizen.
Saul/Paul was Appointed BY Jesus, the difficult task of Ministering unto the Gentiles, kings and Israel, which Paul obliged the Lord.
Acts 9:
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
[15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Glory to God,
Taken